“Public Enemy №1” Escapes: The Daring Jailbreaks of John Dillinger

In March 1934, famed bank robber John Dillinger was locked up facing murder charges when he pulled off one of the most daring jailbreaks in history

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Depiction of John Dillinger (Image generated via Midjourney)

Background

In late 1924, future “Public Enemy №1” John Dillinger was convicted of assault and battery with intent to rob for his role in the robbery of a Mooresville, Indiana grocery store. During the robbery, Dillinger struck the store’s proprietor in the head with a heavy tool.

As they fled the store, Dillinger and his accomplice were recognized, and he was promptly arrested and convicted for the crime. Dillinger was advised by his father to plead guilty, believing that would lead to a reduced sentence.

Instead, Dillinger was sentenced to ten to twenty years in Indiana State Prison. Dillinger and his family were devastated. His father later said he regretted giving his son the advice he did.